We reached out to four 2020 RBC Music Launchpad Entrepreneurship Program Participants to share the impact it had on their career and new projects. Each artist’s unique learning takeaway and story was expressed through their music, and proved their growth.

Meet Joyia

Joyia, the R&B singer, writer, producer, and composer’s, music is equivalent to floating on a R&B and soul cloud. After participating in the 2020 RBC launchpad Music Entrepreneurship Program, Joyia built numerous relations with other creatives that helped develop her visual identity.

How have you developed your career after the RBC Program?

The RBC Program led to numerous connections with other creatives that have expanded my team as an artist. Since the program, I’ve been able to collaborate with some amazing people that have helped develop the visual identity of my brand, as well as some exciting visuals that are coming together for my next project to be released next year (if everything goes as planned)!

One lesson/advice you continue to apply to this day:

The music industry is all about people – be authentic and always lead with kindness.

Pandemic projects:

I’ve taken the time to really dive into songwriting, and I’ve made some demos that I’m really proud of. I’ve developed a bit of a rhythm and it’s gotten me over a huge creative block that I felt was hindering my writing process beforehand, so my next goal is to try and remain in that rhythm moving forward.

I’ve also pretty much finished the songs for my next project, which has been very rewarding because I feel like I really pushed myself sonically – new chord progressions, new song arrangements, and allowing the vulnerability of my emotions to translate into my songwriting. This time has been hard on everyone, but I’m thankful that I was able to channel those feelings into art.

Upcoming events/albums/songs:

Yes! I released my second project, Genesis, earlier this year and an amazing artist by the name of Slow Motion ended up remixing one of the songs off the EP. Come Down (Slow Motion Remix) will be released Friday, Nov 13th on Astralwerks! You can pre-save/add it here.

What is one tip you have for the emerging artists of the 2021 RBC Music Entrepreneurship Program participants? 

Be engaged! Don’t be scared to ask questions, and get to know the other program participants.

There are so many amazing connections to be made – not only did I make some amazing friends, but there are so many opportunities and collaborations that have come from the relationships that were created through the program.

Meet Shawn Murphy

Shawn Murphy is a Toronto based multi-faceted artist that plays bass for psychedelic indie/R&B outfit, Native Other. After the RBC Program, he transformed from being an “All ideas but no action guy” to an “All ideas AND action guy”!

How have you developed your career after the RBC Program?

Since the RBC Program, I have been putting everything I learned and was planning to fruition. I’ve gone from being a guy with a bunch of unreleased content and a notepad full of ideas to having a clear understanding on what my lane is and executing it. I find communicating ideas much easier now that I’m equipped with knowledge and application, and have been able to expand my network and be more efficient as a result.

One lesson/advice you continue to apply to this day:

Dreyuh’s lesson (Program mentor) on idea execution and project management really stuck with me. She drove home the point that under the right circumstances, hard work, strategy a lot can be attainable. That’s really inspired me to make sure I’m always ready for a potential blessing. I also appreciate WIL Studio’s advice on digging deeper when thinking about potential merchandise mediums.

Pandemic projects:

My band, Native Other, put out an EP, No Funeral, and we’ve been working on finishing up the next few projects. We had to change the visual branding for the project due to quarantine in March, so I took it into my own hands to get a better grasp of photography, and visual arts, and ended up shooting the artwork. I’ve been working on some videos too, to be able to translate those ideas easier and have everything run a bit more efficiently. There’s going to be a lot of art to share next year.

Upcoming events/albums/songs:

We dropped No Funeral recently so there’s no new release dates on the immediate horizon but we’ve been keeping busy so I’m sure that will change very soon. We’ll update you @nativeother on all socials, and at www.nativeother.com

What is one tip you have for the emerging artists of the 2021 RBC Music Entrepreneurship Program participants?

A simple, polite, and concise request for someone’s contact information in private has the potential to open a lot of doors.

Meet Audio Gibbs

Michael Gibbs aka Audio Gibbs is a music producer and audio engineer who collaborated with numerous artists to transform diamonds in the rough. Following his journey after the RBC program, Audio honed his understanding of the ‘business’ side of the music business.

How have you developed your career after the RBC Program? 

I have a much clearer vision of how my creative output can meet business objectives. As a music producer and audio engineer, I have improved my client work and have a better understanding of how to share music with the world.

One lesson/advice you continue to apply to this day:

After sharing my final project plan of the program, my mentor noted that I had described the project without playing a sound. When releasing new songs and projects, great music is the most important part and is the key to successful promotion. Oh, a marketing budget is important too!

Pandemic projects:

I have been working on new music for Quincy Owns, Savadouchi, Atuebi, Block Uno, Dynesti, and Jupiter Jaxs, as well as my own upcoming project called Eagle Wing, new beats, and a compilation of featured production. 

Upcoming events/albums/songs:

Eagle Wing is coming soon, and in the meantime check out new releases from Atuebi, Savadouchi, and Quincy Owns. Follow me on Soundcloud, Twitch, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @audiogibbs. 

What is one tip you have for the emerging artists of the 2021 RBC Music Entrepreneurship Program participants?  

This program presents a great opportunity to learn about and get involved in the music business. A lot of information and wisdom is to be found, especially if you’re really paying attention. It’s also a great way to meet new people in your network and discuss ideas and projects together.

Meet Antoś

Nineteen-year-old Antoś, with a heavenly voice, was the youngest member of the 2020 RBC Program and is pursuing a music career while being in school. His dedication shows with the first single out, “Through The Night”, it’s only the start to a fruitful music career.

How have you developed your career after the RBC Program?

After the RBC Program, I continued recording music with other producers and artists. I also got to perform a few shows from home! Two of them being Let’s Make Good Productions’ Wonderfest World Stream Series and RBCxMusic’s First Up Live. 

One lesson/advice you continue to apply to this day:

Throughout the program, one consistent message I was getting was to treat your music career as if you were a small business owner/entrepreneur. I think this message—along with learning how to work in this industry as an independent artist was extremely valuable. 

Pandemic projects:

For now, I am just working on writing and recording new music which I can hopefully release next year. I’m also still studying at school.

Upcoming events/albums/songs:

In December, I’m releasing a concert series of three songs with my friend Walter Chan. At the end of the series, I’m releasing a single called “Growing Pains”.

What is one tip you have for the emerging artists of the 2021 RBC Music Entrepreneurship Program participants?

It will probably be difficult especially during these times but try really hard to connect with the other participants in this program and with the presenters! Also, think about how you can apply the information you receive since it might be different depending on what you do in the music industry. 

Do you want to pursue a music career, but not sure where to start or how to effectively progress? Sign up for the 2021 RBC Launchpad Music Entrepreneurship Program to receive training, feedback, and so much more. 

Deadline: November 22 @ 10PM

Click HERE for more information 

Written by Rachel Deng